Prisoner passes away in Tafaigata

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 22 August 2016, 12:00AM

The Acting Prison Commissioner, Sagaga Galu Frost has confirmed the death of another prisoner Aola Ulberg at the Tafaigata Prisions. 

Mr. Ulberg passed away around 5pm on Monday 16 August 2016 in one of the flats he was living in. 

According to Sagaga he said Ulberg was not in one of the prisons cell’s he was placed in one of the house where sick prisoners are staying. 

“He passed away in the house he was staying in and I took him to the hospital that evening,” said Sagaga. 

The Ministry of Police had already been informed about Mr. Ulberg and they are carrying out their investigations.  “I don’t think there is a need for a post mortem, because he died of natural causes, but that is up to the Coroner.” 

Aola Ulberg passed away at the age of 59 and he had become a regular patient at the Motootua Hospital.  Sagaga said Ulberg has been in and out of the hospital every week. 

“He was very ill; I even wrote a recommendation letter to the Parole Board to consider him for parole because of his condition.” 

“That’s why we didn’t put him together with other prisoners because we knew he was not in a stable condition.” 

He also said there had been times when Mr. Ulberg was admitted to the hospital when he was unfit to return to prison. 

“The hospital confirmed that he had been a regular patient and was suspected to be suffering from cancer.” 

Sagaga also said Ulberg has a long history of previous convictions. 

“He was always in and out of prison.” 

He claimed Ulberg saw Tafaigata as his real home, the place that gave him peace of mind. 

“He is a well behaved prisoner and he will be sorely missed.” 

The Police Media Officer, Su’a Lemamea Tiumalu confirmed last Friday that they are continuing their investigations into this matter. 

The death of Ulberg was reported to the Ministry on the Fathers’ Day holiday.

Aola Ulberg was convicted on the 25th August 2015 on a charge of attempted murder and he was sentenced to seven years and one month imprisonment. Sagaga said they have already contacted Ulberg’s family and his final service is yet to be confirmed. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 22 August 2016, 12:00AM
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